Serious Case Review into "Britain's worst care home"

A Serious Case Review will be published today after five elderly people died after suffering neglect at Orchid View care home in Sussex. It's been labelled "Britain's worst care home".

Following a five-week inquest last October, coroner Penelope Schofield heavily criticised the quality of care at the Southern Cross-run home in Copthorne. Failings included a lack of respect for the dignity of residents, poor nutrition and hydration and mismanagement of medication.

Ms Schofield said at the inquest's conclusion, "There was institutionalised abuse throughout the home...Those who did nothing or turned a blind eye should be ashamed. It is disgraceful that this home was allowed to be run in the way it did and run for nearly two years."

The inquest looked at the deaths of 19 pensioners at Orchid View after whistleblower Lisa Martin contacted police to raise concerns. The coroner ruled all of these residents suffered "sub-optimal" care but five of the residents died from natural causes "which had been attributed to by neglect".

The home was shut down in late 2011 after an investigation by the CQC.